Charging system with compressible contacts

ABSTRACT

A recharging system includes a contact pad charger having a compressible contact pad conformable to a rechargeable device body for charging a power storage device in the rechargeable device body. The contact pad charger includes a power supply configured to provide a supply voltage. The compressible contact pad is electrically coupled to the power supply and defines a first variable resistance in response to a first conductor compression. The rechargeable device body includes a power manager electrically coupled to the power supply and is configured to receive a variable input voltage in response to a first variable voltage drop across the first conductor and to provide a regulated output voltage in response to the received variable input voltage. The regulated output voltage is less than the supply voltage. The power storage device is electrically coupled to the power manager and configured to receive the regulated output voltage for charging.

The present application is a continuation application of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/337,141, filed Oct. 28, 2016, which isincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a charger. In particular, the presentdisclosure relates to a contact pad charger having compressible contactpads conformable to a rechargeable device body of a hearing device.

BACKGROUND

Hearing devices may include hearing aids or a device with a transducerfor providing personalized sound to an individual's ear. For example,hearing aids may be used to assist a person suffering from hearing lossby transmitting amplified sound directly to the person's ear canals. Inone example, a hearing aid is worn in and/or around a person's ear andmay be contoured with curved surfaces to facilitate comfort in use. Manyhearing devices are portably powered with a battery. Some hearingdevices with rechargeable batteries may be recharged in a specificcharging station.

Various charging stations utilize direct connections through conductivemetal plates or pins that make contact with metal plates or pins on thehearing device for charging, such as blade or pogo-pin style chargersthat have net shape pockets or magnetic assist retainers. Typically, thehearing device must be placed standing on end and aligned according tothe proper polarity to facilitate insertion for charging. A directconnection may transfer electrical power efficiently, but such chargersmay require precise seating of the hearing device in a “blind” pocket toensure proper charging, may suffer from scratched or damaged contactplates with repeated charging cycles, and may be difficult to clean.Some other charging stations are wireless, such as an induction stylecharger. A wireless connection may accommodate flexible placement of ahearing device on a charging pad, but such chargers are complex and areoften inefficient in transferring electrical power.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure provides a contact pad charger thatincludes a compressible contact pad conformable to a rechargeable devicebody. The contact pad charger can accept the rechargeable device body ina variety of orientations within a charging cavity while maintaining adirect connection for charging.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system that includes apower supply configured to provide a supply voltage between a firstterminal and a second terminal. The system also includes a compressiblefirst conductor electrically coupled to the first terminal and defininga first variable resistance in response to a first conductorcompression. The system further includes a power manager electricallycoupled between the first conductor and the second terminal. The powermanager is configured to receive a variable input voltage in response toa first variable voltage drop across the first conductor and provide aregulated output voltage in response to the received variable inputvoltage. The regulated output voltage is less than the supply voltage.The system also includes a power storage device electrically coupled tothe power manager and configured to receive the regulated output voltagefor charging.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus forcharging a rechargeable device body. The apparatus includes acompressible conductor having an interior portion defining a flexiblecharging surface and a perimeter portion laterally surrounding theinterior portion. The compressible conductor also defines a variableresistance between the interior portion and the perimeter portion inresponse to a conductor deformation. The apparatus also includes anon-conductive liner aligned to the perimeter portion. Thenon-conductive liner defines an opening aligned to the interior portionof the compressible conductor to define a charging cavity configured toreceive the rechargeable device body for contact with the flexiblecharging surface. The charging cavity is configured to receive therechargeable device body for charging in more than one orientation.Further, the apparatus includes a contact plate electrically coupled tothe perimeter portion and configured to be electrically coupled to therechargeable device body in the charging cavity via the interiorportion.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus forcharging a rechargeable device having a body with a first side with afirst charging portion and a second side opposite the first side with asecond charging portion. The apparatus includes a base having acompressible first conductor and a compressible first insulator adjacentto the first conductor. The first conductor defines a first variableresistance in response to a first conductor deformation. The apparatusalso includes a lid having a compressible second conductor and acompressible second insulator adjacent to the second conductor. Thesecond conductor defines a second variable resistance in response to asecond conductor deformation. The lid is movable between an openposition and a closed position relative to the base. The closed positionof the lid is configured to contact the first conductor with one of thefirst and second charging portions and contact the second conductor withthe other of the first and second charging portions. The apparatusfurther includes a charging cavity defined between the first and secondconductors configured to receive the rechargeable device body forcharging in more than one orientation when the lid is in the closedposition.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description present embodiments of the subjectmatter of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide anoverview or framework for understanding the nature and character of thesubject matter of the present disclosure as it is claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and areincorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. Thedrawings illustrate various embodiments of the subject matter of thepresent disclosure and together with the description serve to explainthe principles and operations of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure. Additionally, the drawings and descriptions are meant to bemerely illustrative, and are not intended to limit the scope of theclaims in any manner.

FIG. 1 is an overhead perspective view of a recharging system includinga contact pad charging apparatus and a rechargeable device according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the recharging system of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the recharging system of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of the cross-sectional side view of FIG. 2showing the recharging system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of charging electronics in the contact padcharging apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rechargeable device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the rechargeable device ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of charging electronics in the rechargeabledevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an overhead perspective view of another recharging systemaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the recharging system of FIG.9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation end view of the recharging systemof FIG. 9.

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosurein connection with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to severalspecific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments arecontemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spiritof the present disclosure. The following detailed description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

It would be beneficial to charge hearing devices in an easy-to-usemanner that is also efficient in transferring electrical power,especially for portable charging applications. In particular, it wouldbe desirable to provide a contact pad charger that offers easy placementof the hearing device relative to the charger, a protective envelope forthe hearing device when charging, a low profile for portability andstorage, flexibility for charging different hearing devices of differentshapes (e.g., different thicknesses and contours), and flexibility forthe design of the hearing device (e.g., placement of metal chargingcontacts).

The present disclosure describes a contact pad charger having acompressible contact pad that can conform to a body of a rechargeablehearing device. The charging cavity may be defined between one or morecompressible conductors and be at least partially surrounded by anon-conductive liner. The contact pad charger can accept the body of therechargeable hearing device in a variety of orientations within acharging cavity for charging with a wired connection for efficientcharging. The compressible conductors mitigate scratching of contactplates on the rechargeable hearing device. The rechargeable hearingdevice itself may be provided with a rectifying circuit to provide evenfurther flexibility in the placement within the charging cavity.

The present subject matter is demonstrated for rechargeable devices,which may be portable devices or wearable devices, such as hearingdevices. Hearing devices may include hearing assistance devices, orhearing aids of various types, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear(ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), receiver-in-canal (RIC), orcompletely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing aids. It is understood thatBTE type hearing aids may include devices that reside substantiallybehind the ear or over the ear. Such devices may include hearing aidswith receivers associated with the electronics portion of the device, orhearing aids of the type having receivers in the ear canal of the user,including but not limited to receiver-in-canal (RIC) orreceiver-in-the-ear (RITE) designs. The present subject matter can alsobe used in hearing assistance devices generally, such as cochlearimplant type hearing devices and such as deep insertion devices having atransducer, such as a receiver or microphone, whether custom fitted,standard, open fitted, or occlusive fitted. The present subject mattermay additionally be used in consumer electronic wearable audio deviceshaving various functionalities. It is understood that other devices notexpressly stated herein may also be used in conjunction with the presentsubject matter.

The present disclosure may be used with various charging systems. Forexample, the present disclosure may be used with various aspects of thecharging system disclosed in the concurrently-filed U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application entitled CHARGING SYSTEM FOR CONTACT CHARGERS ANDRELATED METHODS, filed on the same date as the present application with.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 5, an example recharging system 10 isshown that includes a contact pad charger 12 and a rechargeable device14. The rechargeable device 14 may interface with the contact padcharger 12 in a variety of orientations for charging and may also beenclosed for protection while charging.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, the contact pad charger 12 hasan open position, in which the contact pad charger 12 can receive therechargeable device 14 for charging. A charging cavity 16 may be definedby the contact pad charger 12 for receiving a body 18 of therechargeable device 14 (e.g., device body) having a charging portion 20(see FIG. 8), which may include charging portion 20 _(A) and chargingportion 20 _(B) (see FIG. 6), and an optional non-charging portion 19(see FIG. 6). In the illustrated embodiment, an extension portion 22 ofthe rechargeable device 14 is receivable into a well 26 of the contactpad charger 12. The contact pad charger 12 may include a liner 24 andconductors 28, 29 that define the charging cavity 16. The conductors 28,29 may be compressible. Each conductor 28, 29 each may define a contactpad 25 that is flexible. The contact pad 25 may be described asproviding a spring-like or resiliently deformable response.

The charging cavity 16 may be sized and shaped to receive the devicebody 18 in more than orientation for charging. For example, the devicebody 18 may be rested on either side 21, 23 (see FIG. 6) and in variousrotational orientations while resting in the charging cavity 16. Whenresting on a side 21, 23, the rechargeable device 14 may appear to lieflat, in a natural position within the charging cavity 16.

The contact pad charger 12 may include a base 30 and a lid 32, which maybe opened for exposing the charging cavity 16 and may be closed toinitiate charging of the rechargeable device 14. The contact pad charger12 may also include a pin assembly 34 for disconnecting the electricalconnection between the conductors 28 of the base 30 and the conductors29 of the lid 32, for example, when the lid 32 is opened. In someembodiments, the rechargeable device 14 cannot be charged until the lid32 is closed.

The rechargeable device 14 may be a hearing device, such as a BTE, asshown in the illustration. In some embodiments, the device body 18includes one or more sides 21, 23 (see FIG. 6) having the chargingportion 20. The charging portion 20 provides an electrical path from theexterior (e.g., outer surface) of the rechargeable device 14 to a powerstorage device 132 (see FIG. 7) within the device body 18, which may beused to power the device 14 and may require recharging fromtime-to-time.

The device body 18 may include more than one charging portion 20. In theillustrated embodiment, the device body 18 includes a first side 21 witha first charging portion 20 _(A) (see also FIG. 8) and a second side 23opposite the first side 21 with a second charging portion 20 _(B) (seeFIG. 8). The second charging portion 20 _(B) may be symmetrical, ormirror, the first charging portion 20 _(A). Each charging portion 20 mayinclude a conductive material, such as gold, copper, or any othersuitable conductive metal or material. In one or more embodiments, theconductive material is rigid. Other portions of the device body 18 maybe non-conductive, and one or more portions may be formed of a materialthat is suitable for contact with the skin of a user, inside or outsideof the ear.

The extension portion 22 may extend from the device body 18. In one ormore embodiments, the extension portion 22 may be non-charging (e.g.,may not include an exterior contact for charging). In some embodiments,the extension 22 may include components that can be powered. Forexample, the extension portion 22 may include a transducer to producesound, which may be inserted into an ear or ear canal during use and iselectrically powered by the device body 18. In some embodiments (notshown), the rechargeable device 14 does not include an extension portion22 (e.g., ITC, ITE, or CIC type hearing aids), and the device body 18defines most or all of the exterior shape of the rechargeable device 14.

The extension portion 22 may be permanently or removably attached to thedevice body 18. In some embodiments, the contact pad charger 12accommodates the device body 18 with the extension portion 22 attached.As illustrated, when the rechargeable device 14 is placed into thecontact pad charger 12, the extension portion 22 may extend out of thecharging cavity 16 and over the liner 24 of the contact pad charger 12,terminating in the well 26 of the contact pad charger 12. The well 26may surround and protect the extension portion 22 while the rechargeabledevice 14 is placed in the contact pad charger 12. In some embodiments,the well 26 may be modular and be formed from a housing that is separatefrom housings 31, 33 and can be coupled or mated to the contact padcharger 12 in a permanent or releasable manner. In some embodiments (notshown), the contact pad charger 12 does not include the well 26, and theextension portion 22 may extend out of the contact pad charger 12.

The well 26 may be positioned laterally relative to the charging cavity16 in the contact pad charger 12. The contact pad charger 12 may includetwo wells 26. The lateral arrangement of wells 26 with one or morecharging cavities 16 can contribute to a low-profile (e.g., height)overall for contact pad charger 12, which may be convenient for storageor travel. For example, as illustrated, the contact pad charger 12 mayform an elongate rectangular or tube-like shape.

The charging cavity 16 may define a space larger than the rechargeabledevice 14 to be able to receive the rechargeable device 14 in more thanone orientation when one of the sides 21, 23 (see FIG. 6) of therechargeable device 14 rests in the charging cavity 16 (e.g. thecharging surface 36 formed on the conductor 28, which may be describedas a floor of the charging cavity 16). For example, the rechargeabledevice 14 may be freely rotated in the charging cavity 16 while one ofthe sides 21, 23 of the rechargeable device 14 rests in the chargingcavity 16. In some embodiments, the rechargeable device 14 may be freelyrotated up to 180 degrees, up to 90 degrees, up to 45 degrees, up to 30degrees, up to 15 degrees, or up to 10 degrees within the chargingcavity 16 during charging.

In some embodiments, the rechargeable device 14 may be placed on eitherside 21, 23 (see FIG. 6) regardless of the particular polarities of thecharger 12 or the device 14. Either or both of the charger 12 and thedevice 14 may have a predetermined charging polarity. For example, theconductor 29 of the lid 32 may be electrically positive relative to theconductor 28 of the base 30 when connected to a power source 48.Similarly, one side 21, 23 (see FIG. 6) of the rechargeable device 14,and related charging portions 20, may be electrically positive relativeto the other side 21, 23 of the rechargeable device 14, and relatedcharging portions 20. In some embodiments, one or both of the charger 12and the device 14 may include power management electronics foraccommodating either orientation of the device 14 in a charging cavity16 (e.g., a “right side up” or an “upside-down” polarity). For example,the device 14 may include a rectifying circuit, as is further describedherein.

In some embodiments, the charging cavity 16 is larger than therechargeable device 14 in at least one dimension when the rechargeabledevice 14 is resting in the charging cavity 16. In some embodiments, thecharging cavity 16 is larger than the rechargeable device 14 in twodimensions when the rechargeable device 14 is resting in the chargingcavity 16. For example, such dimensions may be substantially parallel toa charging surface 36 of the charging cavity 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the charging cavity 16 is formed as arectangular prism with rounded corners and side surfaces formed by theliner 24 and top and bottom surfaces formed by the conductors 28, 29,which may be compressible conductors, and may be described as contactpads 25 with flexible charging surfaces 36. The charging cavity 16 maybe any suitable shape for accommodating the rechargeable device 14 andmaking contact with its charging portions 20.

In some embodiments, one or more of the conductors 28, 29 arecompressible. In some embodiments, one or more of the conductors 28, 29are non-moveable or non-compressible. In some embodiments, one of theconductors 28, 29 is compressible and one of the conductors 28, 29 isnon-moveable or non-compressible.

Each of the conductors 28, 29 may conduct electrical power throughoutits cross-section. The conductors 28, 29 may be compressible and may beformed of a resiliently deformable material. In some embodiments, thecompressible conductors 28, 29 are formed of an electrically conductiveelastomer material (e.g., is elastomeric). In some embodiments, thecompressible conductors 28, 29 are formed of a material capable ofwithstanding periodic use of cleaning solvents to remove residue fromthe surface of the conductor. In some embodiments, the compressibleconductors 28, 29 are formed of a material free of mechanical orelectrical hysteresis, which may prevent deformation over time that mayadversely affect charging. In some embodiments, the compressibleconductors 28, 29 include a carbon-doped silicone rubber.

In some embodiments, the device body 18 of the rechargeable device 14 isrigid and non-flat, and the conductors 28, 29 are compressible and canat least partially conform to the rigid and non-flat shape of the devicebody 18 (e.g., including charging portions 20 and non-charging portions19 of the body 18 as shown in FIG. 6) to maintain electrical contactwith the surface of the charging portions 20. In some embodiments, thecharging cavity 16 is defined by two compressible conductors 28, 29,which oppose one another. In some embodiments, one of the conductors 28,29 is compressible and the other conductor 28, 29 is rigid.

Compressible conductors 28, 29 may have an inherent electricalresistance value that varies in response to the amount of deformation ofthe material, such as compression, flexion, or stretch in the material.Further, compressible conductors 28, 29 may appear to have a variableresistance due to build-up of ambient contaminants (e.g., oil residueand dust) on exposed surfaces (e.g., flexible charging surfaces 36) ofthe conductors 28, 29 or the charging portion 20 in contact with theconductors 28, 29. In some embodiments, the resistance of compressibleconductors 28, 29 may appear to vary up to about one order of magnitudewhile still maintaining a high enough conductivity, or low enoughresistance, to provide a desirable charging rate for the rechargeabledevice 14 (e.g., on the order of seconds, minutes, or hours).

The resistance across compressible conductors 28, 29 (e.g., from therechargeable device 14 to a contact plate 44 shown in FIGS. 3-4) may bedefined to include both inherent and external variations. In some cases,the resistance across each compressible conductor 28, 29 may range fromabout 100 ohms, about 200 ohms, or about 300 ohms (e.g., when clean) toabout 1500 ohms, about 1300 ohms, or about 1200 ohms (e.g., when dirty).In some embodiments, the resistance across the compressible conductors28, 29 may range from about 300 ohms to about 1200 ohms while beingcapable of maintaining a desirable charging rate of the rechargeabledevice 14.

Heat may be dissipated across the compressible conductors 28, 29 due tothe inherent resistance. The resistance may encourage drying of therechargeable device 14, which may be particularly useful in humidenvironments. In some embodiments, the resistance may cause thecompressible conductors 28, 29 to increase in temperature by greaterthan or equal to about 2 degrees Centrigrade, about 4 degreesCentrigrade, or about 6 degrees Centrigrade. In some embodiments, theresistance may cause the compressible conductors 28, 29 to increase intemperature by no more than about 10 degrees Centigrade, about 8 degreesCentigrade, about 6 degrees centigrade, about 4 degrees Centigrade, orabout 2 degrees Centigrade. In some embodiments, the temperature mayincrease in a range from about 2 degrees Centigrade to about 6 degreesCentigrade. In one or more embodiments, the temperature may increase byabout 4 degrees Centigrade.

The liner 24 of the contact pad charger 12 may be formed of anon-conductive material (e.g., electrically insulating material). Theliner 24 may be formed of a resiliently deformable material. In someembodiments, the liner 24 is formed of a semi-rigid material, which maybe a low durometer material. In some embodiments, the liner 24 has alower durometer than the compressible conductors 28, 29 to allowextrusion outward when compressed. The liner 24 may be formed of anysuitable material capable of at least partially defining the chargingcavity 16.

In some embodiments, the lid 32 is attached to the base 30 and ismoveable between the open position (see FIG. 1) and a closed position(see FIGS. 3-4). In some embodiments, the lid 32 covers chargingcavities 16 and wells 26. In some embodiments, the lid 32 may cover onlyone or more charging cavities 16. The base 30 and the lid 32 may eachinclude a housing 31, 33 that defines at least a portion of an exterior(e.g., outer surface) of the contact pad charger 12. The housings 31, 33may be formed of a plastic or any other suitable material for forming acontainer. In some embodiments, the housings 31, 33 are rigid.

The lid 32 may be hingedly attached to the base 30. In some embodiments,any other suitable attachment may be used, such as a sliding attachmentor a releasable attachment.

In one or more embodiments, the base 30 includes the compressible firstconductor 28, and the lid 32 includes the compressible second conductor29. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the base 30 includes twocompressible first conductors 28, and the lid 32 includes twocompressible second conductors 29. Each pair of conductors 28, 29 formsthe charging cavity 16 and allows a pair of rechargeable devices, suchas rechargeable device 14, to be charged concurrently. Also, asillustrated, pairs of first conductors 28 may be positioned laterallyrelative to one another, and pairs of second conductors 29 may bepositioned laterally relative to one another. In some embodiments, aportion of the liner 24 separates the two charging cavities 16. In someembodiments (not shown), the liner 24 does not separate the two chargingcavities 16.

As illustrated, the lid 32 may be moved into an open position to exposethe charging cavity 16 and to allow placement of the device body 18 intothe charging cavity 16 and the extension portion 22 into the adjacentwell 26. The rechargeable device 14 may be placed in either naturalresting position on either side 21, 23 (see FIG. 6) of the device body18 on the conductor 28 of the base 30 and in various rotationalorientations. The charging portions 20 may be, but do not need to be, inelectrical contact with the conductors 28, 29 of the base 30 or the lid32 when the contact pad charger 12 is in the open position.

The lid 32 may be moved into a closed position with the rechargeabledevice 14 in the particular orientation as placed, and the lid 32 may besecured to the base 30 by a securing mechanism 92, such as a releasabletab and detent assembly. In the closed position, the first and secondconductors 28, 29 are positioned to contact first and second chargingportions 20 _(A,B) (see FIG. 8), respectively or vice versa. Therechargeable device 14 may be compressed between first and secondconductors 28, 29 of the charging cavity 16. The compression mayfacilitate contact between the conductors 28, 29 and the chargingportions 20. Also, the compression may facilitate securing therechargeable device 14 within the charging cavity 16 of the contact padcharger 12, for example, while the contact pad charger 12 is moved ortransported while being charged.

The pin assembly 34 of the contact pad charger 12 may be at leastpartially disposed on the base 30 and the lid 32. For example, the pinassembly 34 may include two opposing pins (e.g., pogo pins), with oneattached to each of the base 30 and the lid 32, and at least one pinbeing spring-loaded to engage the other when the lid 32 is closed. Thepin assembly 34 may separate the pins to electrically uncouple ordisconnect the one or more conductors 29 of the lid 32 from the powersource 48 when the lid 32 is opened. The separable portions of the pinassembly 34 may engage to electrically couple or connect the conductors29 of the lid 32 to the power source 48 when the lid 32 is closed. Asthe opposing pins engage and disengage, the pins may scratch oneanother. The lid 32 may be described as a scratching connect-disconnectlid.

In some embodiments, the contact pad charger 12 does not include a powerswitch (e.g., on/off switch). In some embodiments, closing the lid 32turns on the contact pad charger 12 or otherwise completes a circuit toactivate charging and opening the lid turns off the contact pad chargeror otherwise breaks the circuit.

In some embodiments, the pin assembly 34 is adjacent to the hingedattachment between the base 30 and the lid 32. In some embodiments, anyother suitable position may be used. With a separable pin assembly 34, aconductive object in accidental contact with the first and secondconductors 28, 29, while the lid 32 is in the open position, may be lesslikely to cause an electrical short and damage electronics in thecontact pad charger 12. Although a pin assembly 34 is shown, anysuitable type of assembly or device for establishing a selectiveelectrical connection may be utilized.

The pin assembly 34 may facilitate the use of a modular lid 32. The lid32 may be removable and replaceable with a different lid 32 that may bedesigned to specifically fit other devices. In some embodiments, thebase 30 and the lid 32 are not connected by an electrically conductivewire or flex circuit. In some embodiments, the pin assembly 34 providesthe electrical connections between the base 30 and the lid 32. The lid32 may be removably attached or hinged to the base 30, and the pinassembly 34 may include a base portion and a lid portion being separablefrom each other. In some embodiments, active components of the contactpad charger 12 may be disposed on or within the base 30 (e.g.,indicators, batteries, controllers), except for passive elements on orwithin the lid 32 (e.g., conductors).

The color of the conductors 28, 29 may be different from the liner 24 toprovide contrast between the charging cavity 16 and other portions ofthe contact pad charger 16. The liner 24 may form a functional depth tothe charging cavity 16 that also provides an easily discernabledepression for resting the rechargeable device 14.

An indicator 90 may provide a user with an indication related to thestatus of the contact pad charger 12, which may, for example, be visualor aural. In some embodiments, the indicator 90 is a visual indicatorthat is positioned to be visible to the user when the contact padcharger 12 is closed (e.g., on the contact pad charger 12). Non-limitingexamples of indicators include an LED, an LCD, an OLED, and a speaker.In some embodiments (not shown), the indicator 90 may be remote from thecontact pad charger 12 (e.g., on a smartphone connected by wire orwirelessly to the contact pad charger 12). Non-limiting examples ofindications include statuses related to a charging progress, a chargingerror, or a cleaning reminder. The indicator 90 may be activated by anysuitable condition, such as the closing of the lid 32, placement of therechargeable device 14 into the charging cavity 16, or some othercondition related to the contact pad charger 12 (e.g., low batteryvoltage or connection to external power supply).

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the contact pad charger 12 isshown in the closed position with the rechargeable device 14 placed forcharging in the charging cavity 16. In the illustrated embodiment, therechargeable device 14 may engage flexible charging surfaces 36 ofcompressible conductors 28, 29 in the closed position of the contact padcharger 12. On an opposite side of the conductors 28, 29 from theflexible charging surfaces 36, optional insulators 38 may be providedbetween the conductors 28, 29 and the respective housings 31, 33 of thebase 30 and the lid 32 to provide additional cushion travel. Theconductors 28, 29 may define an interior portion 40 and a perimeterportion 42. The flexible charging surface 36 of each conductor 28, 29may be defined by the interior portion 40. The perimeter portion 42 maybe electrically coupled to the contact plate 44, which can electricallycouple the rechargeable device 14 to charging electronics in the contactpad charger 12, such as an optional power source 48 via the interiorportion 40. The perimeter portion 42 may be coupled between the contactplate 44 and a retainer frame 46. Various components of the contact padcharger 12 may be coupled by any suitable means, such as an adhesive(e.g., double-sided tape or glue).

In some embodiments, the insulators 38 are formed of a differentmaterial than the conductors 28, 29. For example, the insulators 38 maybe formed of electrically insulating, or non-conductive, material. Thematerial of the insulators 38 may be resiliently deformable. Theinsulators 38 may be described as compressible, similar to theconductors 28, 29. In some embodiments, the insulators 38 have a lowerdurometer than the compressible conductors 28, 29 to allow theconductors to extrude when compressed. In one or more embodiments, theinsulators 38 have a significantly lower durometer than the compressibleconductors 28, 29, such as about 10% lower, about 20% lower, about 25%lower, about 33% lower, about 50% lower, or even lower. In someembodiments, the insulators 38 are formed of a closed cell foammaterial.

In some embodiments, the conductors 28, 29 may be pre-formed and placedover the insulator 38. For example, the conductors 28, 29 may be formedof a transfer molded piece of material. In some embodiments, theconductors 28, 29 may be printed or deposited onto the insulator 38, forexample, as a conductive ink or paint.

The conductors 28, 29 may be thick enough to provide sufficientelectrical conductivity yet thin enough to provide sufficientdeformability to nest the rechargeable device 14 in the charging cavity16. In some embodiments, the conductors 28, 29 have a thickness that isless than about 200 mils (e.g., 0.2 inches), less than about 100 mils,less than about 75 mils, less than about 50 mils, or less than about 25mils. In some embodiments, the conductors 28, 29 have at thickness ofabout 50 mils.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the insulators 38 may be thickerthan the conductors 28, 29. For example, the insulators 38 may bethicker by about 1.5, about 2, or about 3 times the thickness of theconductors 28, 29. In some embodiments, the insulators 38 are about 2times the thickness of the conductors 28, 29.

One of the conductors 28, 29 and one of the insulators 38 may togetherdefine the contact pad 25 and may be described as a pillow block. Thecontact pad 25 may nest at least one side 21, 23 (see FIG. 6) of aresting rechargeable device 14, particularly upon closure of the lid 32.As illustrated, an example contact pad 25 extends from a flat surface,such as a housing 31, 33 of the base 30 or lid 32, and includes one ofthe compressible insulators 38 supporting one of the compressibleconductors 28, 29 at least adjacent to the interior portion 40. Aperimeter portion 42 of the compressible conductor 28, 29 can bedirectly coupled to a contact plate 44 to form an electrical connection.The perimeter portion 42 and the contact plate 44 may be laterallyadjacent to the insulator 38. The contact plate 44 can be coupled to thesame surface of the respective housing 31, 33 as the insulator 38. Theperimeter portion 42 may be compressed between the contact plate 44 andthe retainer frame 46, for example, by a fastener that extends betweenthe respective housing 31, 33 and the retainer frame 46. A side wall maybe formed between the interior portion 40 and the perimeter portion 42based on the height of the insulator 38 minus the height of the contactplate 44.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insulators 38 are interior toperimeter portions 42 and contact plates 44. In some embodiments, eitheror both of the perimeter portions 42 and contact plates 44 may notcompletely surround the interior portion 40 while still providing a highconductivity (e.g., low resistance) path between the interior portion 40and the power source 48. As shown, the perimeter portions 42 and contactplates 44 surround the insulator 38 on at least two sides. In someembodiments, the perimeter portions 42 and contact plates 44 surroundthe insulator 38 on four sides. In some embodiments, the perimeterportions 42 and contact plates 44 extend entirely around the insulator38.

Without the presence of the rechargeable device 14 resting in thecharging cavity 16, the contact pads 25 (e.g., pillow blocks) formrelatively flat flexible charging surfaces 36 (see, e.g., the rightcharging cavity 16 as shown in FIG. 3). The low walls of the liner 24may provide easy access for cleaning the flexible charging surfaces 36.

To accommodate various orientations of the rechargeable device 14, theflexible charging surface 36 or interior portion 40 of each conductor28, 29 may define a contact area larger than corresponding chargingportions 20 on the device body 18. In some embodiments, the flexiblecharging surface 36 or interior portion 40 may define a contact arealarger than a corresponding profile of an entire side 21, 23 of thedevice body 18 (e.g., profile of the device body 18 when resting on theflexible charging surface 36). In one or more embodiments, the liner 24may at least in part define a boundary of the flexible charging surface36, which may be a rectangular area having edges ranging from about 1.2inches to about 1.5 inches in length.

A rechargeable device 14 is shown in one of the charging cavities 16(see, e.g., left charging cavity 16 as shown in FIG. 3) with the lid 32closed. As illustrated, the width of the rechargeable device 14 is aboutequal to, but may be greater than, the height of the charging cavity 16between the conductors 28, 29 of the base 30 and the lid 32. The widthof the rechargeable device 14 may also be described as the height of therechargeable device 14 when resting in the charging cavity 16. A pair ofcontact pads 25 may accommodate this height difference and mayaccommodate a range of height differences depending on the particularrechargeable device placed into the charging cavity 16, particularlywhen at least one contact pad 25 is compressible.

When the contact pad 25 is compressed by the presence of therechargeable device 14, the conductor 28, 29 may extrude into theinsulator 38 and outwardly into the low-durometer liner 24. Theinsulator 38 may also be compressed between the conductor 28, 29 and thehousing 31, 33 of the base 30 or lid 32.

The extension portion 22 of the rechargeable device 14 is shown in oneof the wells 26 (e.g., left well as shown in FIG. 3). A gap or space maybe formed between the liners 24 of the base 30 and the lid 32 betweenthe charging cavity 16 and the adjacent well 26 through which theextension portion 22 may extend from the body 20 of the rechargeabledevice 14.

Compressible conductors 28, 29 may define a variable resistance betweenthe interior portions 40 and the perimeter portions 42 in response tothe deformation of each conductor 28, 29, for example, by the size andshape of the rechargeable device 14, as well as the particularorientation, which may vary with each placement. In some orientations,the rechargeable device 14 may not deform the conductors 28 of the base30 and the lid 32 evenly (e.g., to the same degree or in the samemanner).

The contact pad charger 12 can include charging electronics 100 fordelivering electrical power to the rechargeable device 14 from a powersupply 104. The contact pad charger 12 may also include a controller 102that may facilitate charging and may also communicate with therechargeable device 14 for updating one or more indicators 90 on thecontact pad charger 12.

Perhaps as best shown in FIG. 5, the controller 102 may be coupled tothe power supply 104. The power supply 104 can include a power source48, such as a battery, a connection to an external power supply, orboth. In some embodiments, the power source 48 is a battery capable ofcharging a rechargeable device over several days of use without itselfbeing recharged (e.g., a 900 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery may be usedfor portable charging of a hearing assistance device for about 5-7days). The power supply 104 may also include a boost regulator 110 toprovide a supply voltage across a first power terminal 106 and a secondpower terminal 108. The supply voltage may be greater than the voltagefrom the power source 48 (e.g., source voltage). The power supply 104can further include an overcurrent protection 120 (e.g., a resettablefuse, such as a positive temperature coefficient device) between thepower source 48 and electrically-connected components.

In one or more embodiments, the first power terminal 106 may beconsidered a positive terminal. The second power terminal 108 may beconsidered a ground or a negative terminal. The positive or negativeorientation of the terminals 106, 108 may be defined as a polarity andmay be based on the orientation of the power source 48, which may be adirect current (DC) power source.

Current from the power supply 104 at the first power terminal 106 may besplit between a first sense circuit 112 and a second sense circuit 114,which may each be used to detect modulation in a first current portion116 and a second current portion 118, for communication between therechargeable device 14 and the controller 102. For example, the sensecircuits 112, 114 may be configured to detect communication current overthe powerline having a substantially high impedance (e.g., due theconductors 28, 29).

The first current portion 116 can provide charging to conductors 28_(L), 29 _(L) (e.g., the left conductor 28 coupled to the base 30 andthe left conductor 29 coupled to the lid 32 to form the left chargingcavity 16). The second current portion 118 can provide charging toconductors 28 _(R), 29 _(R) (e.g., the right conductor 28 coupled to thebase 30 and the right conductor 29 coupled to the lid 32 to form theright charging cavity 16 as shown in FIG. 2).

In the illustrated embodiment, a pin of the pin assembly 34 iselectrically connected to each of the conductors 29 _(L, R) of the lid32. The pin assembly 34 forms an open circuit to disrupt the flows ofthe first and second current portions 116, 118 when the lid 32 isopened. The pin assembly 34 forms a closed circuit to operably connectthe conductors 29 _(L, R) to the power supply 104 when the lid 32 isclosed to receive electrical power for charging the rechargeable device14.

The power source 48 may include a battery, which may be rechargeable ordisposable. Additionally or alternatively, the power source 48 mayinclude a connection to an external power supply, which may be a USBconnection, an AC-DC adapter, or any other suitable source of electricalpower.

In some embodiments, the power source 48 provides electrical power atabout 5 VDC or less. The boost regulator 110 may transform theelectrical power from the power source 48 to provide a higher voltage(e.g., higher than 5 VDC). In some embodiments, the boost regulator 110provides electrical power at the first power terminal 106 at about 12VDC. In some embodiments (not shown), the power source 48 provideselectrical power greater than about 5 VDC (e.g., 12 VDC), and a boostregulator 110 may not be necessarily be used. The higher voltage outputvoltage allows the charging electronics 100 to compensate for thevariable resistance across the conductors 28, 29. The correspondingcurrent at the first power terminal 106 may depend on the current demandfrom the connected rechargeable device at conductors 28 _(L), 29 _(L),conductors 28 _(R), 29 _(L), or combinations thereof.

The controller 102 may be coupled to the contact pad charger 12 (seeFIGS. 1-5), for example, at the base 30 or the lid 32. In someembodiments, the controller 102 is coupled to the base 30. In someembodiments, the controller 102 is disposed inside the base 30.

In some embodiments, the controller 102 is configured to detectmodulations in either or both of the first and second current portions116, 118 via the respective sense circuit 112, 114 as a communicationsignal. For example, a sense circuit 112, 114 may utilize alow-impedance, in-series detection circuit to measure modulations in acurrent portion 116, 118. As illustrated, the sense circuits 112, 114are operably connected to the controller 102 via nodes A and B (e.g.,through a high-pass filter). In some embodiments, the controller 102receives a high-frequency communication signal corresponding to themodulations in the first and second current portions 116, 118. Thecommunication signal may contain information from the rechargeabledevice 14 related to charging, which may be used to provide a chargingsignal to an indicator 90 on the contact pad charger 12.

In some embodiments, the controller 102 provides charging signals to oneor more indicators 90 in response to the communication signal, such asan indicator 90 _(L) associated with a left charging cavity 16 and anindicator 90 _(R) associated with a right charging cavity 16. (see FIG.3) Upon receipt of a charging signal, the indicators 90 _(L, R) mayprovide an indication associated with the respective charging cavity 16.The indicators 90 _(L, R) may provide separate indications particular tothe respective charging cavity 16.

In some embodiments, the indicators 90 each include two or more LEDspowered and controlled by controller 102. The LEDs may be used to eachindicate a different status, such as a charging progress, a chargingerror, or a cleaning reminder. The LEDs may also used together (e.g.,four LEDs together may indicate 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% chargingprogress). In some embodiments, the indicators 90 may only provide asignal when the rechargeable device 14 is connected. In someembodiments, the indicators 90 may provide a signal even when norechargeable device is connected to the charging electronics 100.

During charging, the conductors 28, 29 forming the one or more chargingcavities 16 may have the same or different resistance values. Therecharging system 10 may be able to compensate for different resistancevalues with a power manager 130. In some embodiments, the power manager130 is disposed in the rechargeable device 14 along with other suitablecharging electronics, such as charging electronics 200, as shown inFIGS. 6 to 8, to regulate power delivery to a power storage device 132.

Perhaps as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the charging electronics 200including the power manager 130 and the power storage device 132 may bedisposed in the rechargeable device 14 and maintained within a housing140 defining an exterior of the device body 18. The housing 140 mayinclude the charging portions 20 and the non-charging portions 19. Thepower storage device 132 may be disposed near an end of the device body18 opposite the extension portion 22 that extends from the device body18.

In one or more embodiments, the power storage device 132 isrechargeable. The power storage device 132 may be a battery, which maybe based on Li, Ag—Zn, Ni-MH or any other suitable rechargeablechemistry for a battery cell.

The power storage device 132 may be removable or permanently disposedwithin the device body 18. The device body 18 may include an optionalpin 142 for hinging a battery door (not shown), which may extend fromone side 21, 23 of the device body 18 to the other side 21, 23. Anysuitable technique for providing a removable power storage device 132may be utilized.

In the illustrated embodiment, the power storage device 132 is notremovable, and a pin 142 is not included. The charging portions 20 maybe positioned in a location near where the pin 142 would be located,which may facilitate utilization of the same antenna designs for bothremovable and non-removable device types.

In some embodiments, the charging portions 20 may be positioned in anyother suitable location along the device body 18 that generally facesthe conductors 28, 29 (see FIGS. 1-5) when positioned for charging. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the charging portions 20 are flush with thesurface defined by the non-charging portions 19. In some embodiments,the charging portions 20 may recess from or protrude from the surfacedefined by the non-charging portions 19. The contact pads 25 of thecontact pad charger (see FIGS. 3-4) can conform and contact suchrecessed or protruding charging portions 20.

The housing 140 of the device body 18 can take any suitable shape. Insome embodiments, the housing 140 of the device body 18 is generallyconvex in shape. The charging portions of the device body 18 may also besimilarly convex or flat in shape to maintain a continuous contouraround the device body 18. The convex contours of the housing 140 may benested in compressible contact pads 25 (e.g., pillow blocks) of thecharging cavity 16 (see FIGS. 1-5).

The power manager 130 may be electrically coupled to the terminals 106,108 (see FIG. 5) of the contact pad charger 12 when placed in thecharging cavity 16 and the lid 32 is closed (see FIGS. 3-4). The powermanager 130 may include a rectifying circuit 150, which allows therechargeable device 14 to receive electrical power at any polarityacross the charging portions 20, to provide electrical power at apredetermined DC polarity to charging electronics 200 within therechargeable device 14 (e.g., the power storage device 132). As aresult, the rechargeable device 14 can be charged with either side 21,23 placed down in the charging cavity 16 and is not limited to aparticular “right side up” orientation.

In some embodiments (not shown), the power manager 130 may be includedin the contact pad charger 12 instead of the rechargeable device 14. Insuch embodiments, the charging of the power storage device 132 in therechargeable device 14 may be more difficult to manage current flowreceived at the power storage device 132 due to variations in resistanceacross the conductors 28, 29 (see FIGS. 1-5), which may vary due toinherent and external contributing factors.

Perhaps as best seen in FIG. 8, the charging electronics 200 include thefirst contact terminal 20 _(A) and the second contact terminal 20 _(B)corresponding to charging portions 20 on each opposing side 21, 23 ofthe rechargeable device 14, which can receive an input voltage, forexample, from the contact pad charger 12 (see FIGS. 1-5). The contactterminals 20 _(A), B are electrically coupled to the power manager 130,which includes a rectifying circuit 150, which can translate theincoming input voltage to an appropriate predetermined polarity, avoltage regulator 152, and a power controller 154. The chargingelectronics 200 may be operatively coupled to device electronics 156,such as electronics to receive signals and produce sound in a hearingassistance device.

The power manager 130 may be described as being electrically coupledbetween the terminals 106, 108 of the power supply 48 (see FIG. 5) inthe contact pad charger 12, as well as being electrically coupledbetween the conductors 28, 29 (see FIGS. 1-5) in the contact pad charger12. Due to the individual voltage drop across at least each conductor inthe contact pad charger 12 (e.g., a first and a second voltage drop),the input voltage across contact terminals 20 _(A), B and received bythe power manager 130 may be less than the supply voltage from the powersupply of the contact pad charger 12. In some embodiments, the inputvoltage remains high enough for charging the power storage device 132,which may have a minimum voltage threshold for charging.

The input voltage across contact terminals 20 _(A), B may also vary inmagnitude depending on the variable resistances across the conductors28, 29 in the contact pad charger 12 (see FIGS. 1-5), which may depend,for example, on the placement or type of the rechargeable device 14 inthe contact pad charger 12. Movement of the rechargeable device 14relative to the contact pad charger 12 may also cause variations inconductor resistance.

The voltage regulator 152 may allow the power manager 130 to provide aregulated output voltage to the power controller 154, the power storagedevice 132, the device electronics 156, or a combination thereof. Due tothe voltage drops across components in the power manager 130, theregulated output voltage may be less than the input voltage. In one ormore embodiments, a regulated output voltage is provided to the powercontroller 154, which manages the distribution of power to the powerstorage device 132 and to the device electronics 156.

In some embodiments, the power manager 130 can modulate the currentcorresponding to the input voltage across contact terminals 20 _(A), B.For example, the power controller 154 may be configured to modulate thecurrent drawn while charging the power storage device 132 or poweringthe device electronics 156. The power manager 130 may modulate thecurrent to communicate with the controller 102 in the contact padcharger 12 (see FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the power manager 130communicates a data to the controller 102 and/or vice versa. In someembodiments, the power manager 130 communicates the input voltagereceived across contact terminals 20 _(A), B to the controller 102.

Based on the input voltage across contact terminals 20 _(A), B, anestimated resistance across the conductors 28, 29 in the contact padcharger 12 (see FIGS. 1-5) can be determined, for example, in responseto an estimated voltage difference between a known supply voltage andthe detected input voltage. In some embodiments, the controller 102 isconfigured to calculate the estimated resistance. Additionally oralternatively, in some embodiments, the power manager 130 is configuredto calculate the estimated resistance.

In one or more embodiments, the estimated resistance is determined inresponse to the resistance across at least two conductors 28, 29, suchas conductors 28 _(L), 29 _(L) or conductors 28 _(R), 29 _(R). If theestimated resistance is above a target resistance (e.g., about 1200 to1500 ohms), the rechargeable device may not receive sufficient currentto charge the power storage device 132 in a desired amount of time forcharging (e.g., a few hours). However, the supply voltage may be setsufficiently high (e.g. 12 VDC) to allow the power storage device 132 tocontinue charging, even under such high resistance conditions.

The controller 102 may be configured to provide a cleaning reminder whenan estimated resistance across one or more conductors 28 _(R,L), 29_(R,L) (see FIGS. 1-5) is higher than a high resistance threshold (or aninput voltage/current is below a low voltage/current threshold). Thecleaning reminder may indicate that the charging cavity 16 is dirty,which may prompt a user (e.g., via the indicator 90 on the contact padcharger 12 as shown in FIGS. 1-5) to clean the cavity 16. In particular,the user may be prompted to clean the conductors 28, 29 of the contactpad charger 12 or the charging portions 20 of the rechargeable device14. The cleaning can facilitate the restoration of desirable chargingtimes.

In this manner, the recharging system described providesfreedom-of-placement of a rechargeable device (e.g., a hearingassistance device) within large charging cavities or receiving pocketsin a contact pad charger, which may allow a user to interact with therecharging system like a wireless charger without the need for strictplacement of the device within the charger. At the same time, therecharging system described provides a direct connection between therechargeable device and the power supply in the charger, which may allowfor less complicated electronics and a more efficient use of power whencharging.

Various aspects of the recharging system 10 may be used with apogo-style embodiment of a contact pad charger, such as contact padcharger 212 in recharging system 200 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. The contactpad charger 212 may be similar to contact pad charger 12 except asdescribed herein. The specific features of contact pad charger 212 arenot limiting, and embodiments that include or exclude one or more otheraspects of recharging system 10 are also contemplated.

Similar to contact pad charger 12, for example, the contact pad charger212 may include the pin assembly 34 and the power source 48. The samebase 30 and lid 32 may be used with contact pad charger 212. The contactpad charger 212 may also define the wells 26. The rechargeable device 14having the same circuitry may be charged with contact pad charger 212.In some embodiments, the contact pad charger 212 differs from thecontact pad charger 12 in shape of the cavity 216 and the use ofconductors 228, 229 (e.g., pins).

In some embodiments, contact pad charger 212 includes conductors 228,229 (e.g., pins, such as pogo-style pins) as conductors, for example,instead of conductors 28, 29. The conductors 228, 229 may be formed ofany suitable conductive material. In one or more embodiments, theconductors 228, 229 are formed of a metal material. Metal conductors228, 229 may be compressible with a spring feature, which may allow theconductors to compress to accommodate the presence of the rechargeabledevice 14 in the charging cavity 216 and may apply a force to therechargeable device to maintain an electrical connection therebetween.For example, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 11, the conductor 229 wouldextend further into the charging cavity 216 without the presence of therechargeable device 14.

The conductive contact area of the conductors 228, 229 may be less thanthe contact area of the conductors 28, 29, and may be less flexible interms of placing the rechargeable device 14. However, the metalconductors 228, 229 with spring features may vary less in inherentresistance than the compressible conductors 28, 29. In one or moreembodiments, the metal conductors 228, 229 with spring features may bedescribed as not varying inherently in resistance. The chargingelectronics may not need to be as sophisticated when used withconductors 228, 229 instead of conductors 28, 29.

In some embodiments, the charging cavity 216 is specifically formed tothe shape of the rechargeable device to secure the rechargeable device14 during charging, particularly when the recharging system 200 is beingtransported. For example, the liners 224 may at least partially definethe charging cavity 216. The liner 224 may not deform in response to therechargeable device 14 being placed therein.

In some embodiments, the liners 224 may define two opposing sides of thecharging cavity 216. In some embodiments, a portion of the liners 224 isattached to the lid 32 and another portion of the liners is attached tothe base 30. The conductors 228, 229 may extend through thecorresponding liners 224 of the base 30 and the lid 32 to contact therechargeable device 14.

In some embodiments, the contact pad charger 212 may be consideredmodular. The liners 224 may be removed and replaced with other linershaving different shapes to accommodate rechargeable devices other thanthe rechargeable device 14.

Thus, embodiments of the CHARGING SYSTEM WITH COMPRESSIBLE CONTACTS aredisclosed. Although reference is made to the accompanying set ofdrawings that form a part hereof and in which are shown by way ofillustration several specific embodiments, it is to be understood thatother embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departingfrom (e.g., still falling within) the scope or spirit of the presentdisclosure. The detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in alimiting sense.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except tothe extent they may directly contradict this disclosure.

All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonlyused in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions providedherein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequentlyherein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes,amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claimsare to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numericalparameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claimsare approximations that can vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing theteachings disclosed herein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numberssubsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3,3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range. Herein, the terms “upto” or “no greater than” a number (e.g., up to 50) includes the number(e.g., 50), and the term “no less than” a number (e.g., no less than 5)includes the number (e.g., 5).

The terms “coupled” or “connected” refer to elements being attached toeach other either directly (in direct contact with each other) orindirectly (having one or more elements between and attaching the twoelements).

Terms related to orientation, such as “top”, “bottom”, “side”, and“end”, are used to describe relative positions of components and are notmeant to limit the orientation of the embodiments contemplated. Forexample, an embodiment described as having a “top” and “bottom” alsoencompasses embodiments thereof rotated in various directions unless thecontent clearly dictates otherwise.

Reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “certain embodiments,”or “some embodiments,” etc., means that a particular feature,configuration, composition, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of thedisclosure. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various placesthroughout are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of thedisclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, configurations,compositions, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable mannerin one or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having pluralreferents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used inthis specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generallyemployed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearlydictates otherwise.

As used herein, “have”, “having”, “include”, “including”, “comprise”,“comprising” or the like are used in their open ended sense, andgenerally mean “including, but not limited to”. It will be understoodthat “consisting essentially of”, “consisting of”, and the like aresubsumed in “comprising,” and the like.

The term “and/or” means one or all of the listed elements or acombination of any two or more of the listed elements (e.g., castingand/or treating an alloy means casting, treating, or both casting andtreating the alloy).

The phrases “at least one of,” “comprises at least one of,” and “one ormore of” followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the listand any combination of two or more items in the list.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a power supply configured to provide a supply voltage between a first terminal and a second terminal; a compressible first conductor electrically coupled to the first terminal and defining a first variable resistance in response to a first conductor compression; a power manager electrically coupled between the first conductor and the second terminal, the power manager being configured to: receive a variable input voltage in response to a first variable voltage drop across the first conductor; and provide a regulated output voltage in response to the variable input voltage, the regulated output voltage being less than the supply voltage; a power storage device electrically coupled to the power manager and configured to receive the regulated output voltage for charging; and a rechargeable device configured to be worn in or around a person's ear, the rechargeable device comprising one or more charging portions operably couplable to the first compressible conductor for charging.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable device comprises a hearing aid.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a compressible second conductor electrically coupled to the second terminal and defining a second variable resistance in response to a second conductor compression, wherein the power manager is electrically coupled between the first conductor and the second conductor, the power manager being configured to receive the variable input voltage further in response to a second variable voltage drop across the second conductor.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the power manager is configured to: receive a first current portion of a supply current from the power supply; and modulate the first current portion in response to the variable input voltage.
 5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a controller configured to: detect the modulated first current portion; and provide a charging signal in response to the modulated first current portion, the charging signal representing at least one of a charging progress, a charging error, and a cleaning reminder.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to provide the cleaning reminder in response to the variable input voltage being below a low voltage threshold.
 7. A system comprising: a rechargeable device configured to be worn in or around a person's ear, the rechargeable device comprising one or more charging portions for charging; a compressible conductor comprising an interior portion defining a flexible charging surface and a perimeter portion laterally surrounding the interior portion, the compressible conductor defining a variable resistance between the interior portion and the perimeter portion in response to a conductor deformation; a non-conductive liner aligned to the perimeter portion, the non-conductive liner defining an opening aligned to the interior portion of the compressible conductor to define a charging cavity configured to receive the rechargeable device for contact with the flexible charging surface, the charging cavity configured to receive the rechargeable device to couple the one or more charging portions to the compressible conductor for charging in more than one orientation; and a contact plate electrically coupled to the perimeter portion and configured to be electrically coupled to the one or more charging portions of the rechargeable device in the charging cavity via the interior portion.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the rechargeable device comprises a hearing aid.
 9. The system of claim 7, further comprising a compressible insulator comprising a thickness greater than a thickness of the compressible conductor, the compressible insulator being disposed interior to the perimeter portion and adjacent to the interior portion.
 10. The system of claim 7, further comprising another compressible conductor defining another flexible charging surface positioned laterally relative to the flexible charging surface of the compressible conductor.
 11. A charging system comprising: a rechargeable device comprising a body, the body comprising one or more charging portions for charging; a first conductor; a second conductor, wherein at least one of the first and second conductors comprises a compressible conductor; a charging cavity defined between the first and second conductors configured to receive the body of the rechargeable device for charging in more than one rotational orientation of the body, more than one side of the body, or both more than one rotational orientation and more than one side of the body; and a power manager configured to provide a regulated output voltage to a power storage device of the rechargeable device in response to a variable voltage drop across a compressible contact.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the rechargeable device comprises a hearing aid.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the compressible conductor comprises an elastomer material.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the power manager is configured to: receive a current portion of a supply current from a power supply; and modulate the current portion in response to the variable voltage drop.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the power manager is configured to rectify a received variable input voltage to a predetermined polarity.
 16. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a base, wherein the first conductor is disposed in the base, a lid, wherein the second conductor is disposed in the lid, the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the base; wherein the first conductor defines a first variable resistance in response to a first conductor deformation; wherein the one or more charging portions comprise a first charging portion and a second charging portion; wherein the body of the rechargeable device comprises a first side with the first charging portion and a second side with the second charging portion; and wherein the lid is configured to contact the first conductor with one of the first and second charging portions and contact the second conductor with the other of the first and second charging portions in the closed position.
 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a separable pin assembly configured to electrically couple the second conductor and a power supply when the lid is in the closed position and to electrically disconnect the second conductor from the power supply when the lid is in the open position.
 18. The system of claim 16, further comprising: a controller coupled to the base and configured to sense a communication current from the rechargeable device; and a visual indicator configured to provide an indication of at least one of a charging progress, a charging error, and a cleaning reminder in response to the communication current when the lid is in the closed position with the rechargeable device in the charging cavity.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the base comprises a second set of compressible first and second conductors and the visual indicator provides a separate indication associated with each set of compressible conductors.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the base comprises a well, the well positioned laterally relative to the charging cavity to receive a non-charging portion of the rechargeable device extending from the rechargeable device when the lid is in the closed position. 